ECB Coaches Association links Coaching Insight 2019 | Page 24

22
Ramped Up
different perspective on
things – you can evolve
effectively with it.”
Such a positive
experience can only help
Mark’s development as a
coach, while reinforcing
the value of the Lions as
a proving ground – so
long as the opposition
are the right kind of test.
That was what 2018
got spot on, according
to Mark.
“I thought the way all
three sides approached
it, picking strong teams,
was really important
The matches were
meaningful and really
good tests,” he says.
“We’re walking an
interesting tightrope,
balancing England’s
needs, trying to
win, but with a
development angle.
“I’ve been
a specialist
coach for five
years and I was
wanting different
experiences, to
keep evolving as
a person and as
a coach.”
“We’re taking players
away from their
counties and, of course,
if they don’t play the
question is asked –
what’s the point of
them being there?